News from 2011
Discovery underway in age discrimination suit against Motiva
A certificate of written discovery was recently filed in an age discrimination suit against Motiva Enterprises.
County still seeking immunity in deputy's case over wrongful termination
Although a local judge granted Jefferson County immunity from a former peace officer nearly three years ago, the county is still battling to make the ruling official.
Texas man sentenced for assaulting federal prosecutor in Houston courtroom
HOUSTON - A 33-year-old Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison for assaulting a federal prosecutor during a court appearance in the Southern District of Texas, according to Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney John M. Bales.
Justices confirm prisoner's lawsuit as 'frivolous'
An inmate's appeal to reinstate a "frivolous" lawsuit against the Texas Department of Criminal Justice was recently denied by justices on the Ninth Court of Appeals.
Magistrate Judge Hines retires after 28 years on the bench
U.S Magistrate Judge Earl S. Hines, right, views his formal courthouse portrait at a retirement celebration July 15. He is joined by his family, from left, son Cade, wife Betsy and daughter Stella for the official unveiling. Earl Hines always begins his day at 3:45 a.m., and not just on those days he plans to go fishing but also on days he goes to work as a U.S. magistrate judge.
Cyber Crimes Unit arrests Austin lawyer for child pornography possession
Moore AUSTIN � Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott's Cyber Crimes Unit arrested Austin resident and lawyer John Ribble Moore, 52, Friday for possession of child pornography.
Obama, Cordray were co-defendants in prisoner's lawsuit
Obama WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - Now co-workers, President Barack Obama and former Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray were once co-defendants.
Texas lawyer Watts represents 44,510 clients in BP litigation
Watts NEW ORLEANS - Mikal Watts of Corpus Christi represents an astonishing total of 44,510 clients preparing for the first trial over the Deepwater Horizon explosion, according to a report U.S. District Judge Barbier received on July 6.
Anadarko must arbitrate claims against BP, says MDL judge
NEW ORLEANS � Splitting a double header in federal court, Deepwater Horizon rig investor Anadarko Petroleum lost a contest against joint operator BP and won a contest in writing the plan for the first trial over last year's explosion and oil spill.
New business licenses/assumed names issued in Jefferson County
New business licenses/assumed names issued in Jefferson County, July 7-13, 2011.
Legally Speaking: Some Defenses That Worked, and a Few That Didn't
In previous "Legally Speaking" columns, I've written about some rather creative defenses that defendants and their lawyers have concocted�with varying degrees of success.
Parents of minor killed in Christmas parade seek $3M from Beaumont Chamber
The parents of Aaliyah Carter, who died during a 2008 Christmas parade, amended their suit against the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce to include a dollar amount for damages: $3 million.
Patent dispute filed by biomedical company
GALVESTON - BioTex Inc. alleges Heildelberg Engineering Inc. infringed upon a patent for a concept both parties developed about a decade ago, recent court documents say.
Jones Act suit filed by ship captain
GALVESTON - After falling twice while working aboard a vessel more than six months ago, a Louisiana ship captain is suing his employer.
Failure to build safe room leads to suit by homeowner
GALVESTON � Friendswood resident Chris Thibodeaux alleges RhinoVault Safe Structures is withholding his refund, prompting him to file suit.
Mother sues over drowning death of husband, children in Texas City Dike
GALVESTON � Harris County resident Edith Suarez is suing the city of Texas City over the drowning deaths of her husband and two children.
Woman struck by ceiling tiles sues Denny's
GALVESTON � After hurting herself at a local Denny's, Brazoria County resident Kathy Banks has filed suit against the eatery and its owner, Abdul A. Madani.
Couple sues insurer over wind, water damage to home
GALVESTON � In an effort to secure full compensation for their storm-damaged residence, Mark and Leticia Irving are suing State Farm Lloyds and employee Carl Scott.
Man in dispute with insurance company over long-term disability payments
GALVESTON � A Galveston County man battling mental health issues is suing his insurance company, claiming it stopped payment on his monthly benefits.
Galveston condo owners sue over defects
GALVESTON � Houston law firm Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Sorrels, Agosto & Friend have filed suit on behalf of a group of Galveston condominium owners who allege fraud in the respective purchases of their units.